Driving the all-new Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio recently revealed numerous class-topping features which sets a new benchmark in the premium compact SUV segment. The first thing we notice is the awe-inspiring design, performance and technology in what is currently seen as one of the fastest SUV around the circuit, having clocked a new record (7 minutes 51.7 seconds) for its class on the iconic Nürburgring.

Driving on the race track, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio took to corners and long laps beautifully as it is equipped with an exclusive aluminium 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo petrol engine delivering maximum power of 510hp at 6,500 rpm and generating a maximum torque of 600 Nm from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.

The specifically calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission allows gearshifts in just 150 milliseconds in Race driving mode.Boasting an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and a best-in-class top speed of 283 km/h, the Alfa Romeo’ sports SUV is also incredibly efficient in terms of fuel consumption and emissions.

The 510hp 2.9 V6Bi-Turbo petrol engine is combined with theinnovative Q4 all-wheel drive system, which guarantees unbeatable performance, traction, driving pleasure and safety in all situations. Impeccable handing and comfort is guaranteed thanks to the Stelvio Q’s suspension layout, with the exclusive AlfaLink™technology.

Another special feature of Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the innovative electromechanical Integrated Brake System (IBS), an Alfa Romeo brand exclusive. Extreme performance and leading-edge technology are conveyed by the unique style of Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which is the finest expression of Italian design.

Alfa Romeo’s unique flair and the perfect synergy of form and function in a sensual, muscular car body is evident in the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. The new model’s most distinctive characteristics include the bonnet with functional air vents, sporty side-skirts and massive wheel arches, all body-coloured plus four exhaust tips.

The same sporty style, with an added touch of typically Italian elegance, is found in the interior, which has been tailored like an exquisite bespoke suit, with painstaking craftsmanship and premium materials – carbon fibre, leather and Alcantara.

Inside the car, comfort was optimum and made the drive an enjoyable experience. The centre of the dashboard is dominated by the new Alfa™ Connect 3D NAV 8.8” infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in car. Android Auto™ is also compatible with the Stelvio Q’s new infotainment system, bringing the best of Google into the car.

Conceived as a good-luck charm in the heroic period of motorsports, the Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover), written with a capital ‘Q’ has distinguished the sports and industrial history of Alfa Romeo, and has become the logo for race cars and for the more powerful and exclusive road vehicles since 1923.

Before the drive, we were given a tour of Alfa in the past and what the brand stands for today. Alfa was born on June 24th, 1910 and become Alfa Romeo in 1918, gaining acknowledgement among car manufacturers for the quality and performance of its vehicles. Today, the Stelvio also bears the legendary Quadrifoglio badge, which certifies quality in terms of class-topping performance, steady handling and power.

As a full-size luxury SUV, the Lincoln Navigator (Presidential) comes with indulgent luxury touch points at every turn, evident from the moment I opened the door for my one week drive experience.

Capable of producing 450 horsepower and 691 Nm of torque, the Lincoln Presidential made me feel like I owned the road. The twin-turbo 3.5-litre engine provides power delivered through a 10-speed transmission. Twin-turbocharged engine technology provided the fuel economy on demand, with the power and performance I needed and desired for different drive modes.

Inside, the three rows seats offer ample space and the front of the interior layout is clean and uncluttered, with a simple, soothing ambience. The all-new Navigator comes with six USB ports, four 12-volt power outlets, a 230-volt plug and a wireless phone charger in the first-row centre console. Individual driver preferences can be set for adapting seat, mirror and pedal positions, as well as climate control and entertainment settings.

A standard rear-seat entertainment system allows passengers to stream content wirelessly with their device to one of the 10-inch adjustable screens mounted on the rear of the front seats. Content also can be accessed from SD cards, an HDMI cable or USB drive.

Each screen can display different content, allowing a personalised entertainment experience for every passenger enjoyed using Revel® Ultima audio with 20 speakers that work in concert with Navigator’s interior design and acoustics.

The 360-degree camera and Enhanced Park Assist is a saviour for divers who stress about parallel and perpendicular parking. The system integrates views from four cameras to create an overhead image so the driver can see all around the vehicle.

The exterior of the Lincoln Navigator Presidential has an enhanced design language that is both bold and flashy and fits into the full-size luxury SUV segment. It is an athletic yet refined silhouette that makes it appealing to both men and women who need to make a style statement.

Driving the Lincoln Presidential for a week was an absolute delight – it offered me a uniquely elevated automotive experience that my love for combined luxury, sport and regal design in one space. It is the answer to luxury travel on wheels, perfect for road trips and equally at home in front of a luxury hotel entrance.

Since its debut in 1982 and subsequent evolution over eight generations, Toyota Camry has come to be embraced by people around the world for its excellent performance, ride quality, and high level of Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR).

The new electrified version of the Camry cements Toyota’s continued efforts to create ever-better cars and further reiterates its commitment to environmental sustainability. The all-new Camry HEV provides a comfortable and stable ride with superior handling characteristics while injecting a fun driving experience.

Thecar can be driven entirelybyeither electricalpower with zero-fuel consumption and carbon emissions,or with a combination of a petrol engine and two electric motors depending on the vehicle speed and customer’s driving behavior.The batteries in the hybrid electricdrivetrain are automatically chargedby either the petrol engine or when braking and decelerating,eliminatingthe need to plug in a power cord.

Suzan Kazzi, Head of Corporate Communications at Al-Futtaim Toyota mentioned at the launch event that Camry HEV has been leading the sustainable mobility march since 2008, being the first marque that pioneered the HEV technology in the UAE. The company has launched several hybrid electric vehiclesin the past two decades, leading to a steady rise in the adoption of its environment-friendly cars.

The interior features a distinctive design and offers convenience and comfort with a layer of luxury and a range of advanced features. This includes a wireless charging system for smartphones, dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, six-speaker sound system, multi-adjustable power front seats, and 60/40 split and reclining rear seats, among many others.

The all-new Camry HEV model also introduces thelatest in-vehicle information technology displays, offering a unique level of integrated information with minimal distraction. It relays information through 2 available interlinked displays; a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster, and an eight-inch audio/navigationcontrol panel that is seamlessly integrated into the center console in a modern, flush-surface design.

Acomprehensive array of safety features has been added to protect vehicle occupants, including six SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA),Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), as well as an enhanced body structure and platform structure, among many others.

Available in eight distinctive exterior and three interior colors, and 18-inch alloy wheels, the all-new Camry HEV lets customers express their individuality.The car is available across all Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms.

Volvo Cars has relaunched its new design direction with the XC90 and continues to deliver on its promise to introduce a visually striking, premium quality seven-seat SUV with world leading safety features, new powertrain technologies, an unrivalled combination of power and fuel efficiency and a superlative interior finish.

Volvo’s new generation of premium SUVs has accomplished untimely success as a result of Scandinavian design at its finest, with functionality and genuine beauty. The XC90 represents the epitome of luxury and allows for an outstanding highway performance and low emission commuting through its range of two-liter, four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains.

World-class safety package

Volvo has long been an active pioneer in the world of safety technology, most notably with the Vision 2020,which statesthat no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by the year 2020.

The XC90 has been at the forefront of SUV safety since the launch of the first-generation model in 2002. As a leader in safety technology, it was the first SUV to be fitted with Roll Stability Control to reduce the risk of a rollover accident. Launched in 2014, the second-generation XC90 came with two world-first safety aids: Run-off Road Protection and automatic emergency braking at junctions. Should the car inadvertently leave the road, Run-off Road Protection automatically tightens the front seatbelts to keep occupants safely fastened.

With an exceptional safety record, Volvo XC90 holds the title for best overall performance in the Euro NCAP official crash tests in 2015, as well as a five-star safety rating in 2018 by the same organization.

Luxurious interior
Craftsmanship has been at the focus of the XC90’s development, where Nappa leather and wood with handcrafted details line the car’s interior and features a gear lever made of crystal glass from Orrefors, the famous Swedish glassmaker.

The most luxurious interior designed for a Volvo, the XC90 features a 9-inch highly responsive and easy to read touch screen, making Volvo a part of the driver’s digital world. With Sensus Connect, the driver remains in control through the head-up display that puts essential information in the driver’s line of sight. Volvo’s premium SUV also features the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, one of the top available in the automotive world. Integrated into the body of the car, the air-ventilated subwoofer offering exceptional realism and clarity in every seat.

Three trim levels are available in the XC90 range: Inscription, R-Design, and Excellence. For sophisticated modern luxury, the Inscription is built for those who want to experience sleek design in a relaxed cabin feel. While the R-Design is dedicated to the art of driving, its powerful presence and dynamic attitude is where the luxury SUV meets a sporting edge. As the pinnacle of first class travel and comfort, the Excellence, includes a four-seat Excellence Lounge variant, where passengers are able to indulge in a truly luxurious, flexible space. The T8 Twin Engine offers near-silent travel, creating the ultimate environment for both business and leisure.

Awards
As the most awarded luxury SUV of the century, Volvo XC90 holds numerous titles including Middle East Car of the Year Awards “Jury Car of the Year” and “Best Midsize Premium SUV” in 2016. In the same year, the XC90 was awarded two more titles from EURO NCAP as “Best in Class” overall and for the large off-road category. Previous years have also seen the XC90’s win awards for “Best Product Design” by Red Dot Awards, “Top Safety Pick” by IIHS “Women’s World Car of the Year” by Women’s World Car of the Year jury in 2015.

At the recent Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the coveted gold ribbon that designates the “Best of Show” car was placed on the magnificent deep blue bodywork of a 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta.

The Italian masterpiece fought off competition from 209 cars from 17 countries, all of which were displayed on the eighteenth fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. Before being proclaimed “Best of Show” the car triumphed in its class and also received two other major awards – the “Charles A. Chayne” trophy and the “J.B. & Dorothy Nethercutt Most Elegant Closed Car” prize.

The car, first seen at the 1938 Berlin Motor Show, differs from later 8C 2900B Touring models with its more steeply raked grille and lack of running boards, and recently received a full restoration to return it to its original specification.

This is the third time in the history of Pebble Beach that the Alfa Romeo brand has taken home the Best of Show award, and every time it has been with the 8C 2900B model with Touring bodywork – first in 1988 with a spider version and then in 2008 with a coupé.

Recently we ventured into Jordan to drive the all-new Duster, the unstoppable SUV with Renault Middle East. While offering a range of high-quality, new features, the reinvented SUV retains the same level of affordability that the name ‘Duster’ is celebrated for.

The all-new Renault Duster boasts keyless entry, brand-new exterior styling, delivering a distinctly assertive and robust look, as well as an upgrade in perceived quality with a totally redesigned interior for a comfortable and user-friendly driving experience.

The SUV’s exterior is enhanced thanks to the addition the wide chrome-finish grille, which extends to the headlights positioned at the car’s front corners. Although visually more muscular than before, the Duster has the same compact dimensions with a wider front and rear and its robust stance is emphasized by its bold, more horizontal lines.

A front skid plate reinforces the Duster’s adventurer credentials and ensures that the vehicle never loses its smart looks. Finished with Renault’s signature C-shaped lighting with LED daytime running lights the Duster is a modern SUV with a rugged personality.

New aluminium roof bars and more prominent front and rear skid plates point to the All-New Duster’s adventurer credentials. New 17-inch wheels ensure an even more assertive profile.

Inside, the Duster is equipped with new, high-quality, driving aids and new equipment, making it a genuine adventure-ready SUV which offers the versatility and comfort for everyday driving.

The interior has been thoroughly updated for upgraded comfort and to make the model even more practical in everyday use. The steeply raked windscreen makes the cabin feel bigger, while its acoustics have been significantly improved and cabin insulation significantly reduces noise from outside the car.

The all-new Duster is available in both 2WD and 4WD specifications and offers among the market’s very best off-road capability. With a choice of two petrol engines; 1.6L (4×2) mated to a CVT automatic transmission, and 2.0L with automatic transmission (4×4), the Duster is an SUV equipped for any terrain.

The Duster’s roominess, affordability and off-road capabilities have long been recognised as the model’s strengths and the all-new models continues to carry these desirable attributes. The SUV has been popular with drivers across the globe, with exceptional sales results records. With an off-road ability among the very best in its class, it is now even more fun to drive.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio has claimed the title of world’s fastest production SUV, setting a new benchmark lap time at Germany’s legendary Nürburgring – this is the latest achievement in the racing tradition of the Quadrifoglio in over a century of Alfa Romeo history.

A Stelvio Quadrifoglio lapped the 12.9-mile Nordschleife (North Loop) in a record 7 minutes 51.7 seconds. This new benchmark time is a full eight seconds faster than the previous production SUV record.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio record was setby Fabio Francia – the same driver who also set the track record for the fastest four-door sedan in the world on the Nürburgring with the Giulia Quadrifoglio in a time of just 7 minutes and 32 seconds.

The first SUV in the more than a century-long history of the brand, Stelvio embodies the true authentic Alfa Romeo spirit – distinctive Italian style, state-of-the-art and innovative engines, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and excellent weight-to-power ratio.

Infused with Italian passion, craftsmanship and innovation, the all-new Alfa Romeo Stelvio is designed to conquer the winding road after which it is named.

The heart and soul of this ultra-high performance SUV is an all-aluminium, direct-injection 2.9-litre 24-valve Twin-Turbo intercooled V6 engine, delivering 510 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque, which is paired with the standard Q4 all-wheel-drive system for the first time. The engine is also paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission with specific settings for shifting in just 150 milliseconds when in Race mode.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio achieves the most horsepower per litre in its class.

Designed to enhance the all-new lightweight Alfa Romeo architecture, the all-aluminium 2.9-litre V6 Twin-Turbo engine features a compact 90-degree layout and was holistically designed for a low centre of gravity within the chassis.

Ultra-lightweight carbon fibre shell Sparco racing seats, providing maximum lateral support during extreme cornering thanks to more aggressive bolstering, and designed to be the lightest in the segment, while providing comfort for long road trips

Where other SUVs stop at utility, with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo took on the challenge to create the perfect mix of high performance, authentically sporty driving dynamics, Italian style and engineering technology with the comfort and roominess features which are typical of this segment.

The Lamborghini Urus Super SUV will make its public UK dynamic debut at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Displayed at the Lamborghini village alongside the new Lamborghini Performante Spyder – the convertible version of the record-breaking coupé – the Urus will also run ‘up the hill’.

Lamborghini super sports cars making the hill climb include the Centenario Roadster: one of a limited edition of 20 produced together with 20 coupés. With a start price of two million euros, the Centenario was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s birthday, and all sold prior to launch.

The Centenario is joined in the supercar paddock by the Huracán Performante and Spyder, as well as the Aventador S Coupé and Roadster. “Goodwood Festival of Speed marks the arrival of the Lamborghini Urus Super SUV in the UK, with the first cars about to be delivered to customers,” said Andrea Baldi, CEO Lamborghini EMEA. “The line-up of the Urus Super SUV as well as our V12 and V10 super sports cars means that fans of Lamborghini are promised a resounding display of iconic design and performance as each car runs up the Goodwood hill.”

Automobili Lamborghini announced record worldwide deliveries to customers last year of 3,815 cars across its Aventador and Huracán ranges. More than 350 cars were delivered in the UK during 2017, which was the third largest market for Lamborghini.

The Urus, first unveiled in December 2017 and officially launched earlier this year, features a 4.0 litre V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 650 hp. The Urus accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and, with a top speed of 190 mph, is the fastest SUV available. Lamborghini’s third model line, it will more than double sales worldwide as well as in the UK. The Lamborghini Urus retails in the UK from £165,000 on the road.

Twenty-six years from its last Grand Prix, the Minardi M191B chassis #003, equipped with a Lamborghini LE3512 V12 engine and one of the protagonists of Formula One in 1992, is back on the track.

The exciting shakedown organized by Lamborghini Squadra Corse is the result of a meticulous restoration carried out by Lamborghini Polo Storico with the support of former Lamborghini engineering personnel who were active on the Lamborghini F1 project in the early ’90s.

The Minardi M191B #003 is the first single-seater to be restored by Polo Storico. After being on display at the Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the car underwent seven months of work to return to its original efficiency, with most of the original components maintained.

The tires, fuel tank, engine control unit, seat belts, and fire extinguishing system were replaced, while the other components were carefully restored, starting from the engine designed by Mauro Forghieri. The 12-cylinder LE3512 is still able to deliver the original almost 700 HP, enabling enthusiasts to relive the emotions of the golden years of Formula One.

The guests of honor on the occasion of its grand return are Mirko Bortolotti, Lamborghini factory driver, and Giancarlo Minardi. The founder of the Faenza-based team recalled the fruitful collaboration with Lamborghini that lasted for the entire 1992 season: “Seeing the models of 25 or 30 years ago is still exciting. They are the last cars before the beginning of telemetry and automatic transmissions. Apart from the growling noise, which still today brings back those wonderful times, it was a very flexible engine with enormous power starting from the low rpms.”

Entrusted to drivers Gianni Morbidelli and Christian Fittipaldi, the Minardi M191B #003 competed in the first Grand Prix races of 1992 before being replaced by the M192, also equipped with a Lamborghini engine. The best result achieved by the single-seater restored by Polo Storico was 11th place with Christian Fittipaldi at the wheel at the Spanish GP, and it is now ready to return to racing and competing in the championships dedicated to historic F1 races. The testing outcome was very positive: the car ran more than 20 laps without any problem and the Lamborghini engine perfectly maintained all the features that so impressed Ayrton Senna during the tests at Estoril in 1993.

Over suhoor a few nights ago, we met the Al Tayer Motors and saw the eagerly awaited all-new Navigator.

As part of the dealership’s 2018 Ramadan campaign, the all-new Navigator is available with five years or 100,000 kilometres warranty and five years or 100,000 kilometres service contract with an added bonus of a one-night stay at the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel for confirmed bookings, subject to availability. The starting price of the vehicle is AED 351,750/- inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT).

Modern Elegance
Navigator’s elegance is on display before the doors even open. Upon approach, the chrome Lincoln star logo on the grille softly illuminates. Then, LED lighting in the lower front body and tail-lamps subtly engages, and a luminous Lincoln welcome mat appears beneath the front doors.

At night, interior ambient lights sequentially illuminate each of the SUV’s three rows. During the day, a panoramic roof fills the cabin with natural light. A twin-turbo 3.5-litre engine produces best-in-class 450 horsepower and 691 Nm of torque, providing smooth power whenever you need it, delivered through a 10-speed transmission.

Navigator’s lighter, high-strength aluminium-alloy body removes around 90 kg, helping create a more refined ride. Additional weight savings have been reinvested in features such as towing capability and quietness. For example, laminated front and side glass contributes to the quietest Navigator cabin ever.

The all-new Navigator offers speed-dependent adaptive lighting, a new Lincoln technology that provides a wider spread of light at lower speeds for increased visibility – helpful when driving through residential areas. As the vehicle accelerates, the beam of light narrows to help eliminate the glare off signs or other distractions.

Beneath the sleek interior are inclination and intrusion sensors, which trigger an alarm if someone attempts to move or enter the vehicle.

Spacious, Luxurious Interior

Inside, spaciousness comes in all three rows, including storage in each to keep the cabin clean and organised. The all-new Navigator’s advanced cargo management system offers an adjustable shelf behind the rear seats that allows clients to create storage customised to their needs. Even with the vehicle parked on an incline, the feature ensures groceries won’t roll out when the lift gate is opened. The interior layout is clean and uncluttered, with a simple, soothing ambience.

Staying connected is easy in the all-new Navigator with six USB ports, four 12-volt power outlets and a 230-volt plug. An available wireless phone charger in the first-row centre console media bin eliminates tangled cords. The client experience is further elevated through Lincoln’s new Personal Profile. It uses the key fob to recall individual driver preferences for adapting seat, mirror and pedal positions, as well as climate control and entertainment settings.

For owners desiring a more personalised look, Navigator comes with three Lincoln Presidential options – an exclusive collection of interior design themes and materials, plus a host of membership privileges.

The Navigator, with its segment-leading second and third row space, also comes
with three second-row configurations – three-person bench, two captain’s chairs with console, or two captain’s chairs with the convenience of a pass through. For customers wanting more storage, the Navigator L adds more than 430 litres of extra space behind the third row.

First-Class Seating For AllEven when the all-new Navigator is fully packed, each occupant can sit in comfort. The driver and front-seat passenger enjoy Perfect Position Seats, which offer massage, heating and cooling functionality, and can be adjusted up to 30 different ways.

Standard SYNC® 3 with both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™** compatibility enables clients to manage audio, phone, navigation and more from the vehicle touch screen or steering wheel-mounted controls. Second-row passengers have their own audio and climate control, while third-row seats feature power recline capability.

A standard rear-seat entertainment system allows passengers to stream content wirelessly with an Android device to one of the 10-inch adjustable screens mounted on the rear of the front seats. Content also can be accessed from SD cards, an HDMI cable or USB drive.

Each screen can display different content, allowing a personalised entertainment experience for every passenger. Clients can enjoy available Revel® Ultima audio with 20 speakers that work in concert with Navigator’s interior design and acoustics. This transforms the cabin into a personal theatre with three distinct listening modes – stereo, audience and on-stage.

Family-Friendly Technology

Navigator is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. A 12-inch configurable instrument cluster allows drivers to choose the information they want displayed. An available Head-Up Display can show selected information on the windshield instead of the instrument cluster. Lincoln’s HUD is the brightest and clearest in the segment, with class-exclusive polarised sunglasses support, allowing drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

It’s also easy to adjust to changing conditions. With the turn of a dial, the driver can adapt the Navigator to changing road or weather, and enjoy a smooth, confident ride.